Disability Days

Breaking barriers to accessibility, one adventure at a time.

Museums, South Scotland, South Scotland Museums

National War Museum

National War Museum

Book Tickets

Attraction Information

The National War Museum is a museum located in Edinburgh Castle, Scotland that tells the story of Scotland’s military history. It is a part of the wider National Museums Scotland and has a collection of over 400,000 objects relating to Scottish military history, ranging from weapons and uniforms to art and photographs.

The museum has several galleries that showcase different aspects of Scottish military history, including:

  1. The Scottish Soldier Gallery: This gallery explores the life and experiences of Scottish soldiers from the 17th century to the present day. It features artifacts such as uniforms, weapons, and personal items that belonged to Scottish soldiers.

  2. The War and Peace Gallery: This gallery examines Scotland’s role in conflicts and peacekeeping operations throughout the world, from the First World War to the present day.

  3. The New Galleries: These galleries showcase a range of objects from the museum’s collections, including military art, medals, and equipment.

  4. The Hall of Honours: This gallery features a range of military honours and decorations awarded to Scottish soldiers.

The museum also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year, such as talks, tours, and family activities.

Accessibility Information

This attraction has does not have its own car park

Pay and display parking is available in nearby streets. Castle Terrace and Johnston Terrace have the nearest on-street parking zones.

Blue Badge holders can request one of the limited number of accessible parking spaces on Castle Esplanade on a first come, first served basis. However, please note that the Esplanade is closed from June to September, due to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 

The NCP Castle Terrace car park offers a discounted rate for castle visitors (except in August). You must validate your parking token at the castle’s audio booth during your visit.

The National War Museum has a level entrance and wheelchairs are available for loan at no charge.

There is a public lift between the two floors of the museum and seating is available throughout.

The museum offers large print and braille guides upon request.

The museum offers British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation for some events and exhibitions, and can also arrange for BSL interpreters upon request.

The museum offers a range of tactile and sensory experiences for visitors who are blind or partially sighted, including handling sessions of museum objects.

An adapted courtesy vehicle is available at the Castle’s admissions kiosk to take visitors with mobility difficulties, including wheelchair users, to the Museum and other parts of the Castle.

The museum has a dedicated access officer who can provide advice and assistance for visitors with disabilities or additional needs.

The film shown in the Nation in Arms gallery has subtitles and an induction loop.

A summary of the displays, in English, is available as part of the main audio-tour of the Castle.

This attraction has 8 accessible toilets located in the following areas:

  • Level -1 – Beginnings to 5000BC exhibit
  • Level 0 – Opposite Main Entrance
  • Level 1 –  Tower Entrance , Animal World Exhibit
  • Level 2 – Beside Lift
  • Level 3 – Animal Senses Exhibit, Technology By Design, Exhibition Gallery 2
  • Level 4 – None
  • Level 5 – Design For Living Exhibit, Survival Exhibit
  • Level 6 – None
  • Level 7 – None

To visually see where the toilets are please refer to the map here – Museum Map

These toilets feature the following:

  • Handrails to the side of the toilet and wash basin.
  • Wash basin with lever style tap
  • Transfer space to the side of the toilet
  • Disposal Facilities
  • Emergency alarm

This attraction has a changing place toilet located in the main entrance, this facility requires a RADAR key to access this can be obtained from the information desk or you can purchase your own here – RADAR KEY

This toilet features the following:

  • Bench – Height Adjustable, Adult Sized, Wall Mounted
  • Hoist – Ceiling , Loop
  • Peninsular Toilet
  • Washbasin Height Adjustable
  • Emergency Alarm
  • Privacy Screen
  • Accessible Shower
  • Colostomy Shelf
  • Drop down grab rails
  • Wall grab rails

This attraction offers free entry to carers accompanying a paying disabled guest.

To be eligible for free entry you must present evidence in one of the following forms:

  • DLA Paperwork
  • PIP Paperwork
  • Carers ID from employer or Council
  • Dr’s letter stating the need for a carer.
Opening Hours
  • April to September: Daily from 9:30am to 6pm (last entry at 5pm)
  • October: Daily from 9:30am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm)
  • November to March: Daily from 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm)
Pricing
  • Adult: £19.50
  • Concession (students, seniors): £15.60
  • Child (5-15 years): £11.70
  • Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £50.40
  • Children under 5 years old can enter for free.
Location

Edinburgh Castle
Castlehill
Edinburgh
EH1 2NG 

Back To Top